Native Women

Native Women

Native American women are one of the most at-risk groups in Minnesota. With only 1.3% of the population of Minnesota identified as Native American, achieving visibility is just the first battle.

A disproportionately high rate of poverty, homelessness, and sexual violence with few resources spread across the state can mean navigating through Native American Women’s issues can be challenging.

Native American women are more likely than any other race to experience rape, physical assault, and stalking. According to the US Department of Justice, 1 in 3 Native American women will be raped in her lifetime. Native American Women are almost twice as likely than any other race to experience stalking and rape, with the percentages falling at 17% and 34.1%, respectively. 61.4% reported suffering physical abuse during their lifetime. The homicide rate for Native Americans is also twice the national rate.

Unemployment hovers close to 20% for Minnesota Native Americans. 39.5% of the Native Americans in Minnesota are living in poverty, much more than the state average of 11.6%.

11% of the state’s homeless population is Native American, with the average monthly income for a homeless Native American at around $364. 20% of Minnesota’s homeless youth are Native American. The rates for homeless Native Americans struggling with alcohol or chemical dependency is also 52%, compared to the state average of 32%. The High School graduation rate for Native Americans is 42%.